Woods, Ruthven Trade Bait

MESA, ARIZ. — Charlie Fox, special assistant to general manager Dallas Green, acknowledged that several teams have inquired about the availability of outfielder Gary Woods.

Regarding trade rumors about pitcher Dick Ruthven, Fox said no teams have made any serious inquiries. ``But I can see how clubs might be interested in a guy like him who has been a proven starter throughout his career.

``We haven`t put out the word that he is available yet. We`re waiting for teams to come to us with trade offers this spring. It was the other way around last year. We`ve spent a lot of time putting this team together. I think you`ll see a lot of activity from other teams in the last four or five days of spring training.``

-- The Cubs capitalized on two errors in the bottom of the ninth to defeat the California Angels 5-4 Saturday. With the score tied 4-4, Woods walked, Shawon Dunston bunted for a single, and both moved up when losing pitcher Luis Sanchez threw wildly to second on a pickoff attempt. Chico Walker then bounced a grounder to shortstop Craig Gerber, who booted it, allowing Woods to score the winning run.

Ruthven started and pitched six innings, allowing three runs on six hits. Jon Perlman gained the victory. Brian Dayett continues to lead the club in hitting. He was 2-for-4, giving him 14 hits in 35 at-bats for a .400 mark.

-- Angels` slugger Reggie Jackson struck out swinging against George Frazier in the seventh inning and then protested to plate umpire John Kibler that the Cub reliever was throwing him spitballs. Kibler refused to oblige Jackson by checking the ball. Frazier admitted a few weeks ago that he throws a spitter on occasion.

-- Saturday`s attendance of 7,504 at HoHoKam Park established a spring training record for the Cubs of 68,771, surpassing the previous mark of 66,405, set in 1983 for 15 home dates. The Cubs have five more home games this spring.

-- The Cubs lost 4-1 to the Cleveland Indians in a ``B`` game Saturday. Dennis Eckersley pitched six innings, allowing seven hits but striking out nine and walking just one. Bobby Dernier stole two bases, and Billy Hatcher was 2-for-4.

-- Manager Jim Frey and the rest of the Cub brass will meet Sunday night to discuss the next roster cuts to be announced Monday. ``I don`t expect there will be as many as last time,`` said Frey, referring to the six previous cuts. ``There are some people we`d like to take a longer look at.``